Skip to content

Engineering > Materials Engineer

Salary National Average

Low Medium High
1.0000 1.0000 1.0000

Supply and Demand

Candidate Supply: 0 Job Openings: 0

0 50 100

More Difficult Less Difficult

Salary Variance

Enter City, State to view local salaries and candidate demand.

Short Description:

A Materials Engineer is responsible for researching, developing, and testing materials to improve their performance, durability, and suitability for specific applications. They analyze the properties of metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites, and collaborate with design and production teams to select or develop appropriate materials. The role involves conducting experiments, interpreting data, and recommending material solutions to meet technical and regulatory requirements. Materials Engineers help optimize product quality, reliability, and manufacturing efficiency. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical skills are essential for success in this role.

Duties / Responsibilities:

  • Develop, test, and analyze materials to improve performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness for various applications
  • Select appropriate materials for product design based on mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties
  • Conduct experiments and perform failure analysis to identify material weaknesses and optimize formulations
  • Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to integrate materials into production processes
  • Develop and maintain documentation for material specifications, testing procedures, and compliance standards
  • Monitor and evaluate new materials, technologies, and industry trends to recommend innovations
  • Ensure all materials and processes meet safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements
  • Support product development projects by providing material expertise and technical guidance
  • Troubleshoot material-related production issues and implement corrective actions
  • Present technical findings and recommendations to engineering teams, management, and clients

Skills / Requirements / Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; advanced degree preferred for research roles
  • Experience: 2–5 years of experience in materials testing, selection, or engineering applications
  • Technical Knowledge: Understanding of metallurgy, polymers, ceramics, composites, and material testing techniques
  • Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret test data, perform failure analysis, and provide actionable recommendations
  • Problem-Solving: Skill in troubleshooting material performance issues and developing solutions
  • Attention to Detail: Precision in conducting experiments, documenting results, and specifying materials
  • Communication: Effective verbal and written communication skills for technical reporting and collaboration
  • Safety & Compliance: Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, environmental regulations, and industry standards

Job Zones

  • Title: Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
  • Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. 
  • Related Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. 
  • Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
  • Job Zone Examples: Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. 
  • Specific Vocational Preparation in years: 2-4 years preparation (7.0 to < 8.0)

Share Role Details

Return to job listings